Minister Anand announces $1.4 billion investment to upgrade Dwyer Hill Training Centre infrastructure

March 21, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Created in 1993, Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) is an extremely high-readiness and precise special operations forces unit. JTF 2 protects Canadian national interests and combats terrorism and threats to Canadians at home and abroad, and is based at the Dwyer Hill Training Centre in the National Capital Region.

Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, announced a $1.4-billion infrastructure project to upgrade special operations forces’ facilities at the Dwyer Hill Training Centre in Ottawa.

This 10-year construction project will provide more than 100,000 m² of purpose-built space to meet JTF 2’s long-term growth, training, and high-readiness operational needs. Work includes:

·        replacing 89 aging and temporary structures with 23 new facilities;

·        renovating seven buildings; and

·        upgrading the site’s utilities. 

Approximately 2,000 jobs will be created throughout the project, with as many as 250 to 300 people working on-site during peak construction periods. Construction is set to begin in May 2023. The unit’s training and operations will continue on-site while this work is underway.

This project will include more than 150 sub-contracts to provide greater opportunities for local and smaller contractors to bid on work. Five percent of the value of all contracts are targeted for award to Indigenous businesses to create economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples.

The new facilities will be net-zero ready and built to meet Two Green Globes energy and environmental design standards. This project will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Defence buildings to meet the federal target of net-zero emissions by 2050. New or renovated buildings will include modern office, operations and technical shop spaces, as well as new range, training, warehouse, medical, accommodations, access control, kitchen, mess, ammunition, equipment and vehicle storage facilities.

This investment demonstrates our commitment to providing Canadian Armed Forces personnel with modern, green, and functional infrastructure in which to work and train. As outlined in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, investments in critical infrastructure enhance military capabilities while helping reduce the government’s carbon footprint.